How to keep your uninterruptible power supply uninterruptible
These devices and batteries do need some degree of looking after in order it provide an uninterruptible power source to your home computer, workstation or network. Devices need to be tested and batteries replaced from time to time. The few simple tips below will help to keep your uninterruptible power supply uninterruptible.
So you have got your workstations or any IT equipment plugged into an uninterruptible power supply. Well, you have made the right decision. No more worry about losing hours of progress thanks to a blown fuse… However, there is a degree of maintenance that goes into keeping uninterruptible power supplies uninterrupted.
In your workstation, for example say you use RBC batteries. An even better idea than that one is to replace the battery before it gets too old.
RBC7 batteries last a remarkably long time, but they do eventually fade. Most RBC battery suppliers offer a one year warranty, so its not a bad idea to replace the battery once the warranty runs out. If you look at it as an investment, rather than an annual bill that has stacked up on top of the normal bills, then you will realise that it makes perfect sense. By replacing your RBC batteries for a few extra pounds a year will mean that your computer will be protected in the event of a power outage; don’t risk your battery burning out by not replacing them.
Another example would be if you maintain any sort of communications network, be it an office network or a wireless Internet hot spot. Obviously, you want to keep your network live, or else you risk losing work or even customers, so to eliminate this you get an uninterruptible power supply system to keep your network going should there be a outage
Great, but try to make sure you are relying on a reliable product to provide you with that security. Going with a top-notch company like Riello UPS might cost a pound or two more than some no-name brand backup power supply product, but you wont get the same kind of reliability, you are not likely to get any sort of warranty, and if the thing breaks down the first time you need it, you are likely to eat the costs yourself.
Really it comes down to the same kind of common sense you would practice in maintaining any electronic device. Testing your devices to ensure that the UPS will provide standby power when the lights go out is essential; it would therefore be a good idea to set up an old laptop beforehand to run some tests. As the battery starts getting old, then replace it. Simply put, you want to make sure its going to work when you need it to work.